Crossword Genius

Past being strained? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tense

I believe this clue is a double definition.

'past' is the first definition.
(past tense)

'being strained?' is the second definition.
('tense' can be similar in meaning to 'strained')

(Other definitions for tense that I've seen before include "It may be perfect" , "Rigid; verb form" , "past possibly" , "Anxious - future, perhaps?" , "fraught" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.